Letters of Action
LETTERS SENT ON BEHALF OF VARIOUS ANIMAL CAUSES
Subject: to BBC - Your issue on bullfights
Tue, 21 Sep 2004
To:
bill.heine@bbc.co.uk
helen.boaden@bbc.co.uk
mark.popescu@bbc.co.uk
newsonline@bbc.co.uk
richard.sambrook@bbc.co.uk
Subject: Your issue on bullfights
Ladies and gentlemen,
Action Against Poisoning fights animal poisoning in particular and supports animal protection in general. We have been informed on a BBC program about the pros and cons of bullfighting for youth.
Living in Portugal ourselves we think it unwise to leave any room for positive feelings - especially for children - about this folkloristic habit.
The Portuguese in general are sick of the few who force this cruelty upon their fellow citizens. And they certainly do not want matadors to be presented as a role model to their children by the BBC.
For your information: the Spanish bulls probably are better off as they are killed on the spot whilst Portuguese bulls may have to wait for hours or days before they receive their coup de gr‚ce. In our view the line of young man behind the one challenging the bull with the fools cap reflect the mentality of Portuguese youngsters killing themselves in cars with the bumper sticker "no fear". No fear, no brains, we might say.
The BBC may display bullfights as an event of pride, courage and honor.
You may call on tradition and culture to justify the postponed killing of the bulls by hours or days. You may bring this as a happy story, but the subject is not.
We are saddened by the fact that the BBC obviously does not see or understand that animal abuse is wrapped in folkloristic festivals, creating acceptance of violence in an atmosphere of "having a good time". Which as you should know by now consequently leads to multiple incidents of violence by people having fun.
And we are upset that the BBC creates a "why not" atmosphere around this issue. An atmosphere that is totally contrary to a civilized country with good animal protection laws, the RSPCA and a population of probably the most respectful people concerning animals.
Even the most fabulous, artful and mesmerizing dancing and stabbing does not justify the torture and subsequent killing of a bull who most likely had never asked to be part of such a performance in the first place. So please stop highlighting the art-side of it, or we might as well applaud the skills and merits of scalping and cannibalism that allegedly have been very brave, artful, traditional, cultural and running in the family as well.
In short, we would like you to refrain from exalted stories involving animal abuse, especially when you address children and when that abuse is played down.
It would be most refreshing and informative if you would feature a program on the merits of intrinsic violent folkloristic expressions like bullfighting, cockfighting, throwing goats from church towers, hanging obsolete hunting dogs on trees etc. etc.
It probably may not fit a juvenile audience.
With kind regards,
Action Against Poisoning
Subject: China - "Amazing Spain, Shanghai 2004" event clearly is a forerunner of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, this will reflect on China as a country that supports or even embraces animal cruelty.
Letter sent to the relevant Chinese authorities on Sunday 29 August 2004
To:
gov@govonline.cn
szw@ccnt.gov.cn
manage@chsi.moh.gov.cn
webmaster@shanghai.gov.cn
webmaster@mfa.gov.cn
webmaster@agri.gov.cn
webmaster@ccnt.com.cn
WebMaster@cnta.gov.cn
webmaster@spp.gov.cn
Action Against Poisoning
29 August 2004
The Hague - The Netherlands
Ladies and gentlemen,
With Chinese friends we visited your beautiful country - and Shanghai - in 1999. As we do not master your language we were limited in our communications. However, with mutual respect and understanding for our cultural differences we had open discussions about our on 6 October 2004 experiences in China including Hong Kong. In short, we were impressed by the technical progress and the friendliness we met in the different parts of China.
Last year we were informed on global efforts to stop the maltreatment of 'bile bears' in China. We expressed our appreciation to the Chinese authorities for their work towards eliminating bear farming. So we were happy that China was on the right animal protection track.
A few days ago we were informed that on the 6th October 2004 a bullfight will be performed at the Shanghai Stadium as part of "Amazing Spain, Shanghai 2004". We think this is an unwise idea and we wonder whether this is a Chinese or a Spanish initiative. If this is a Spanish initiative it is indeed amazing that Spain is unable to present her cultural wealth in a civilized way. We cannot fathom the Spanish urge to export an embarrassing habit.
Our view on bullfights is as follows: We applaud the preservation of cultural heritage. However, we protest against existing folkloric festivities that involve any form of animal abuse. If torture and killing is culturally conceived as a joyful occasion, then animal abuse can be associated with fame and national pride. We should not teach our children that any form of animal torture is normal, let alone laudable. Although we do not seek to undermine feelings of national pride, torture is a violation of existing animal protection laws and an affront to the civilized countries. So in our point of view it is unacceptable to support activities that taunt the global opinion on animal welfare and the existing animal protection laws.
Since this "Amazing Spain, Shanghai 2004" event is a forerunner of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, this will reflect on China as a country that supports or even embraces animal cruelty. You may have noticed that the massive poisoning of stray animals in Athens before the opening of the Olympic Games 2004 caused violent protests against and a boycott of these games.
We wish you success with your games in 2008. We urge you to refrain from any (support of) animal abuse that will offend civilized citizens and taint the image of China.
Yours respectfully,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Action Against Poisoning fights animal poisoning in particular and supports the development of animal welfare in general. For an actual and concise general motivation for animal protectors we refer to "Spare a thought on our cruelty to animals" by Mohd Idris, at www.rense.com/general42/crueltu.htm
Subject: Mubarak Library Killing
April 22, 2004
To: Ministry of Tourism, Egypt spare@menanet.net
Dear Minister of Tourism,
I am writing to report a horrifying, cruel event that I witnessed today, April 18th between 5:15 and about 5:40 pm. I am an advanced Ph.D. student at Harvard University specializing in the study of Islam, including the Qur'an and Hadith. What I witnessed - the torture and murder of an animal - was completely contradictory to the ideals of Islam. I went with an Egyptian friend to visit the Mubarak library. My friend was justifiably very proud of the Library and wished to show me the library and its lovely courtyard.
At around 5:15, while we were sitting in the courtyard, I noticed a dog leap through the grassy area in front of the door to the library and begin to struggle in some bushes about 15 feet from us. At first, I thought he had only tripped and become entangled in the bushes. But then as I watched him writhing in pain, shaking, and twitching uncontrollably, I knew there was something far more wrong with him. Greatly concerned, I jumped up and told my friend that we must try to help the dog. My friend asked a few men standing nearby - including some apparent library employees - whether they knew what was wrong.
They told her they had poisoned him because he was diseased. When I ran to the dog and started to cry, they said I did not understand. I wanted so badly to hold the dog and make him stop suffering. I told my friend I did not know what to do, that I thought maybe I should give him some water. She convinced me -- wrongly -- that I should not because (somehow) the poison might reach me. I felt very angry at the men, and helpless. We remained there near the dog, watching him as he continued to writhe in pain for many minutes. I was crying with sorrow, frustration, and empathy for this dog. At least twenty minutes passed. We then left because my friend could not handle watching the dog suffer. He was still alive and in agony.
Let me tell you that the men - the employees and maybe even the veterinarian who gave him the poison - stood by without any sign of remorse or pity for the suffering animal. It was as if they do this every day. It was just a job. I will never be able to erase these images from my mind, nor the callousness of the men who did this cruel act. No animal should suffer for this long. I had heard previously from expatriate Egyptians and Americans living in Egypt that Egypt controlled its animal population through massive poisonings and shootings, but I did not fully believe them. Now that I have seen this with my own eyes, I realize the horror of Egypt's methods. Of course Egypt must control its animal population. But why not spaying and neutering like other countries? I wonder: did they give this dog just barely enough poison to kill him? Did they try, in other words, to save a few pounds by giving him cheap poison or very little of it? I know there are quicker ways to put a dog down than this (I also know that this dog was not diseased, but rather a lie to send me away). It is these men - not I - who do not understand the correct state of things. Their methods are cruel and shameful and against the dictates of religion (the Prophet, as we know, praised the woman who gave water to a thirsty dog).
I am writing to you because I hope that you can do something to help the poor animals, including the dogs, of Egypt. I can tell you that no tourist visiting the United States would witness such an act as I did today in as important a place as the Mubarak Library. I will warn anyone I know traveling to Egypt about Egypt's policies regarding its animal population, and suggest that perhaps they should travel elsewhere.
Sincerely,
Sarah Bowen Savant
savant@fas.harvard.edu
Subject: AVIS sponsorship of bullfights in Portugal
To: AVIS Portugal
29 July 2004
Dear Sirs,
Thank you for this clear - and as we trust truthful - answer to our protest, with which you restored the image of Avis.
We surely hope that civilised companies will refrain from showing even a shred of sympathy for any folkloristic activity involving animal abuse.
Yours truly,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
---
29 July 2004
Reply from Avis - sponsorship of bullfights in Portugal
From: "PT Customer service" Customer.service@avis-portugal.pt
In the last few days Avis has received several e-mail messages concerning the sponsorship of bullfights in Portugal.
As a result, Avis Portugal wishes to clarify the following points:
1. It is not Company Policy to sponsor or advertise activities that could in anyway be seen as harmful to animals.
2. As in prior years, Avis Portugal continues to make donations to Casa do Pessoal da RTP, a Radio e Televis„o de Portugal, which by its own initiative and without prior consent from Avis, included the Avis brand in advertising space broadcasted by RTP.
3. We have requested a formal apology from Casa do Pessoal da RTP, for inappropriate usage of the Avis brand without prior permission by ANT and requested the immediate suspension of the site or subsequent legal action by Avis against ANT. This can be confirmed by the effective withdrawal of the ANT site from the Internet and we expect to receive a letter of apology shortly.
4. Avis Portugal confirms its commitment to the "we try harder" ethos in relation to the Community and Environment and does not wish to see its brand name unfairly associated with inappropriate activities in terms of animal rights and protection. Avis confirms that it is not and will not be a sponsor of bullfights.
5. For many years Avis has actively supported several charities, either through donations or logistical support to organisations helping children, elderly and ill people. Examples include the Luis Figo foundation, the Personal House of the National TV, the Association of Lupos, the victims of fire, the Children Foundation, etc.
Avis Portugal.
Subject: Your article on a Ronda bullfight, by Teresa Levonian Cole
To The Financial Times
feedback@customercare.ftdirect.com
The Hague, 18 July 2004
Dear Sirs,
We appreciate the florid and passionate style of Mrs. Cole describing the perfect setting for a "Corrida Goyesca" with its skilful participants. She has the gift to let us see, hear, smell and feel this magnificent event. She has the talent to let us believe that this is an event of pride, courage and honor. It is a happy story, but the subject is not.
The article reflects the schizoid character of the bullfight phenomenon. We cannot fathom a mother commenting on the killing of the bull with "Bulls are like my children. I feel so proud when they are noble and fight bravely."
Although we do not assume that she is actually on the verge of sacrificing her poor children or husband for that matter, such exclamations are scary.
In our view it shows one of the mental deficiencies that occur when animal abuse is wrapped in folkloristic festivals, creating acceptance of violence in an atmosphere of "having a good time". Deficiencies that have led to multiple incidents of violence by people having fun.
Even the most fabulous and artful dancing and stabbing does not justify the torture and subsequent killing of a bull who most likely had never asked to be part of such a performance in the first place.
In short, we would like you to refrain from publishing exalted stories involving animal abuse, especially when that abuse is totally disregarded.
It would be most refreshing and informative if you could feature an article on the merits of intrinsic violent folkloristic expressions.
With kind regards,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: dogs are kept amongst zoo animals
To: Sr. Rafael Gonz·lez Gonz·lez, Alcalde
Ayuntamiento de Ayamonte
Plaza de la Laguna s/n
21400 Ayamonte
Esp„na
fax (0034) 959.471320
10 June 2004
Dear Mister Gonz·lez Gonz·lez,
Action Against Poisoning fights animal poisoning in particular and supports animal protection in general.
We, and many tourists with us, like your city very much. During a visit to your zoo in a public park we discovered a cage between the bears and a tiger where abandoned and stray dogs are kept. It could be practical to show lost dogs in a public place where visitors can identify the dogs and their owners. But we would like to express our concern for the fact that pet animals should never be kept near wild animals.
We were informed that these dogs could be collected via the Ayamonte police station. At the police station we were told without further explanation that we could not adopt a dog from the zoo.
Further inquiries taught us that the El Campillo shelter 60 km away in the Rio Tinto region collects the dogs from the zoo on a contract basis.
Allegedly El Campillo kills perfectly healthy and beautiful dogs after two weeks if they are not collected before that time. On 60 km distance it is most unlikely that they will be found and collected by their owners. On top of this we heard of a shelter with a non-killing attitude only 5 km East of Ayamonte.
In summary the factual Ayamonte policy is:
- confining dogs between wild animals
- forbidding the adoption of an abandoned dog
- using a far away killing shelter when a much better alternative is nearby
- choosing for destruction rather than care for animals
Such facts express ignorance if not cruelty and disrespect for animal life and animal protection laws. These facts reflect badly on the image of the city of Ayamonte.
These facts also raise the question why public funds are spent in this destructive way.
And there are other things you should know: By far most tourists have no problem with dogs or cats as they see them as a colorful part of city life. A vaccinate, spay, neuter and release campaign can stabilize your stray dog population.
Adoption or killing gives shelters the room to receive new animals; to keep shelters functional we rather like to see animals leaving shelters alive than dead.
If you wish we would like to help you on these subjects.
For above-mentioned reasons we ask you to treat this letter as a denuncia and urge you to use your powers to:
- close down the dog cage in the Ayamonte zoo
- call on your citizens to take responsibility for their animals and stop dumping them for invalid reasons
- use and support the nearest shelter with a non-killing policy, where your citizens can find their lost animal
- facilitate adoption of stray and abandoned animals
- inform your citizens and the tourists on your policy and procedures
In short, we call on you to spend your public funds on a constructive approach of the stray and abandoned animal problem. And we trust that you will enjoy the positive public relations effects of your new policy. We look forward to your answer.
Yours sincerely,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: Thai dog trade meat consumption and fur export
To the Ambassador of Thailand in Belgium
thaibx@pophost.eunet.be
25 May 2004
Your Excellency,
Action Against Poisoning fights animal poisoning and supports animal protection in general.
We consider deliberate poisoning as a cruel, stealthy and cowardly act. We see it as destructive behavior of the lowest level against animal and human life alike. We are aware of the fact that violence against animals paves the way for violence against people. Consequently tolerance for animal abuse in the long term forms a mental health threat and a public order hazard for society. In short, we are convinced that animal protection is an integral part of the fabric of a healthy and strong civilization.
First of all we like to emphasize that we respect and enjoy cultural differences as they reflect the diversity of our planet and bring color to our lives. On our travels we came to appreciate Thailand as a country with lovely people, very good food, a vibrant tolerant lifestyle and an impressive respect for life. We also noticed a striking reverence for the Royal family. Like most travelers we enjoyed our contacts with the gentle and beautiful Thai stray dogs. And we were glad to hear that small scale vaccinate, spay, neuter and release programs were active to control the Thai stray problem.
With these impressions we expected that animals would have a good life in Thailand. This image was affirmed when a good Thai friend sent us a copy of "The Story of Tongdaeng", the Kings adopted pet dog. His Majesty's observations of Tongdaeng reflect a deep understanding of and love for stray animals. His arguments for the adoption of stray dogs as described in the preface are strong, moving and true.
This positive image was recently shattered when we were informed on the Thai dog trade regarding meat consumption and fur export. On top of this we were confronted with poisoning practices as a means of controlling the stray dog problem. We do not elaborate on the towns and regions where these sorts of animal abuse occur as it appears to be a widespread Thai phenomenon.
We categorically disagree with the lame excuse of the killers that stray dogs (and cats for that matter) are a health threat for their illnesses or aggression. As far as transferable diseases or aggression is concerned people are far more dangerous than dogs. Survival training teaches that the licking of "dirty" stray dogs cleans festering wounds and saves human lives. And we have met no aggression of dogs, except when their masters, their territory, their pups or their food were threatened. Very understandable and in all other cases they either were curious and friendly or shy and walking away from us.
We cannot understand how people can kill their most trusting and loyal friends, the dogs. We are sickened by the reported cruel catching and live skinning. We cannot imagine that the majority of the Thai people, let alone their King, would approve of these practices.
We therefore urge you to use your full powers to end any form of animal abuse.
Yours sincerely,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: Bramby poisoning in Australia
letter sent 23 May 2004
To the Honorable Bob Carr
Australian Labor Party
Premier of NSW
bob.carr@www.nsw.gov.au
Fax international code 61+2+9349 4594
Dear Mister Carr,
Action Against Poisoning supports animal protection in general and fights animal poisoning in particular. In our view poisoning is cruel, stealthy, cowardly, savage, destructive and indiscriminate.
Those who plan poisoning campaigns or commit the actual poisoning have no idea of the physical and mental damage to animals and people alike. They don¥t see that cruelty towards animals breeds the same attitude towards people. They are not aware that poisoning rebounds in the food chain and they have probably never witnessed their pet dogs die a slow and agonizing poison death. And if they do, they should urgently be admitted to a mental hospital for permanent loving care. We are informed that the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service uses grain bait stations to poison Snowy Mountains Brumbies.
We understand that a program to capture the Brumbies in the Mount Morgan area failed and allegedly bait stations for a wild pig baiting program have been installed. As we hear that no wild pigs but Brumbies and Quoll bushfire survivors are living in that area it seems that not the pigs but the Brumbies are targeted for poisoning. Poisoned bait being a random killer, this policy includes the killing of whatever other wildlife as well. Sickening as all this deliberate destruction of harmless animals is, it also eludes us totally why one would poison wild pigs.
Australian killing fields are quite new to us. We probably are mistaken in our appreciation of this beautiful continent with a high quality of life as is reflected in its efforts in health protection. Poisoning however reflects a total disrespect for life and an alarming lack of foresight.
We urge you to use your powers to stop this killing spree by relieving the responsible executives from their tasks.
Yours sincerely,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: lack of animal protection and animal welfare in Brazil
From: Action Against Poisoning
To: Brazilian Authorities ouvidoria@camaracaxias.rs.gov.br
Cc: mpcaxias@mp.rs.gov.br ; redacao@jornalpioneiro.com.br ; ditofeito@saofrancisco.am.br
Sent: Sunday, April 25, 2004 10:18 AM
The Hague - The Netherlands
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
Action Against Poisoning supports animal protection in general and fights animal poisoning in particular.
Having visited South Brazil in March 2004 we were impressed by the gentleness of your citizens, the beauty of nature and the economical progress of your country. Under such circumstances and with all respect for cultural differences we expected the Brazilians to treat their animals better than we have witnessed. We have seen neglected chain dogs and tied horses in the blazing sun without shelter or water.
However we met a few special people showing genuine compassion and love for stray and abandoned animals who changed our sad feelings on animal welfare. After we returned to Holland we were informed on a Brazilian case of - as it appears - abuse and neglect of horses. Which brings us to address you on the item of Brazilian animal welfare.
We expect that you have existing animal protection laws. Consequently we expect that laws are enforced by police forces or special authorities.
It would be wonderful if you have independent animal protection inspectors active where law enforcement has low priority or is lacking.
As it appears such protection has not been given to the horses shown in this case.
We urge you to give more attention and a higher priority to animal protection and animal welfare as it reflects on your civilization. And we beg you to actually put an end to any abuse or neglect of animals that you are informed on.
With due respect,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: killing of baby and adult seals in Eastern Canada
Letter sent to canadainternational.gc.ca/feedback-en.asp
17 April 2004
To The Canadian Government
Ladies and gentlemen,
Having Dutch nationality we will never forget the fact that your brave soldiers liberated us from the Nazi oppression and most probably from worse.
As you know we still honour these liberators every year in The Netherlands. We ask you now to set seals free from their hunters. This killing of seals is so barbaric that we cannot believe Canadians to act like this. The fact that (baby) seals eat fish should never be an excuse for misbehaviour or cruelty towards these otherwise quite vulnerable and harmless animals. They are more dependent on that diet than we are. Your children should not be witness and eventually part of this sorry sort of massacre.
So we urge you to use your power and stop the seal slaughter.
We look forward to your reaction.
With due respect,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: monitoring of stray round up in ATHENS
Letter sent to: WSPA UK wspa@wspa.org.uk
18 March 2004
Ladies and gentlemen,
We are informed in contradictive ways about the stray dogs in Athens in relation to the 2004 Olympic Games.
The most extensive text [1] reflects the general attitudes around this issue
The next text [2] is an alarm on the handling of strays in the harbour area
The last text [3] is an Olympic Organizing Committee stray plan promising that everything will work out swell for the dogs
It is hard to believe that Greek authorities will execute an ideal program for the stray dogs.
Can WSPA monitor the implementation of that claim and keep us informed?
Action Against Poisoning
[1]
---- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Subject: LETTER/NY Times Sugarcoats Plight Of Greek Strays
Please Cross Post
SOURCE OF INFORMATION:
2004 ATHENS OLYMPICS - GREEK ANIMALS RACE FOR THEIR LIVES
The NY Times recently ran a story based on interviews with Greek government officials, who naturally presented the "politicized" version of Greece's longstanding war on domestic animals. (Times article follows letter).
As most of you know, a crusade to sanitize the streets of Athens in time for the 2004 Olympic Games has left a trail of dogs and cats poisoned in the streets with strychnine, herbicides, pesticides or ground glass. Humane advocates and some conscientious reporters have revealed animals rotting alive in shelters--with maggot-infested wounds, paralyzed limbs, malnourished, sick.
With the approach of the Olympic Games in Athens, the New York Times needs to tell the REAL story, not a fabricated one from government publicists.
LETTER TO USE AS GUIDE FOR WRITING YOUR OWN:
We read, with interest and disappointment, the New York Times article "Pre-Olympic Event: Rounding Up City's Furry Loiterers," by Frank Bruni (February 26, 2004). It appears that local politicians gave Mr. Bruni misleading information regarding the seriousness of the abandoned dog population of Athens, and for that matter, the rest of Greece. While Athens may not be the only European capital with rampant strays, it is the only European Union nation and Western European capital with between 30,000 to 50,000 homeless animals roaming the streets.
On October 1, 2003, Reuters and CNN reported that over 3,000 dogs had been poisoned by "mysterious entities" and dumped in garbage bags. The data was verified by Greek animal advocate Marianna Polichroniadou.
We believe more accurate information could have been obtained if your reporter had also spoken to animal welfare advocates familiar with the stray situation in Athens. Instead, he presented a biased account based solely upon sources with close ties to the Greek government. A paper as reputable as the NY Times should have disclosed the full story.
As Greece steps center stage for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, officials naturally welcome any opportunity to present a compassionate and constructive program. The whole truth would have been more constructive.
===================================================
New York Times article, February 26, 2004
Pre-Olympic Event: Rounding Up City's Furry Loiterers
By FRANK BRUNI
ATHENS--As it struggles to complete its odyssey of pre-Olympics primping, this scraggly city finds itself pressed to prove more than its ability to pave roads, plant trees and prettify monuments.
It has to show that it hasn't gone to the dogs.
They are legion, and they are leashless. Strays saunter through public squares, tails wagging or teeth bared, depending on their dispositions and the nearness of meaty alms. Strays flank the gilded portals to fancy boutiques like furry, four-legged doormen with a naked hankering for table scraps.
In an unfortunate, widely publicized incident last summer, one stray bit a Ukrainian archery coach who was in Athens for Olympic test events and out for a run.
The wound was not serious, except to the scruffy image of Athens and its environs, whose caretakers are now trying, in a manner that might well be described as dogged, to tame the situation.
Just a few months ago the national government enacted legislation meant to reduce the stray population by holding Greeks more accountable, with toughened pet registration requirements and stiff fines for abandoning their pets to the streets.
People here apparently do that with some regularity, which city officials describe as the principal source of the problem.
Athens, for its part, is funneling about $2 million this year into new animal shelters, new animal control officers and a major sterilization project. Stray by randy stray, dogs are being rounded up, neutered and then ~ if they are not adopted in two weeks ~ set free to roam anew, but in a less reproductive fashion.
City officials concede that those combined efforts will not work fast enough to make a major difference by the beginning of the Olympic Games on Aug. 13, but they say there may be some benefit.
" The city is trying to change," said Tonia Kanellopoulou, the deputy mayor in charge of managing strays. That has become a specially designated task and nearly full-time job.
Athens is not the only European capital with rampant strays, nor is it the first Olympics host city to have to deal with a dog-related problem before its turn in the international spotlight. Bucharest has long been known for its vagabond canines, and Seoul had to take dog meat off restaurant menus in deference to the sensitivities of many athletes and spectators at the 1988 Olympics.
But the situation in Athens has its own special drama, in part because Greeks exhibit such a broad, complicated range of reactions to the strays in their midst.
Many Greeks not only tolerate but also admire strays for being hearty, against-the-odds survivors, which is the way many Greeks see themselves. But at least a few feel differently, and that conflict in views has bred mysterious deaths, insidious accusations and attention-grabbing antics in faraway locales.
In regard to the latter, an animal rights advocate put on a dog costume and tied himself to a 12-foot cross outside the Greek Embassy in Berlin last December. The advocate was protesting what some animal welfare groups outside Greece said was a mass poisoning of stray dogs and cats that had been ordered by Greek officials who wanted the animals out of the way before the Olympics.
Greek officials denied any such slaughter, and several prominent animal rights advocates here called the charges exaggerated and unsubstantiated.
But they said that a little more than a year ago, as Greece assumed the rotating presidency of the European Union and more foreign dignitaries were due to arrive, dozens of stray dogs and cats went missing from parks and squares that those dignitaries were likely to pass by.
In at least one case, advocates said, carcasses were found, along with containers of poison.
" It was organized," said Carol McBeth, director of the Greek Animal Welfare Fund, referring to the killings. But, Ms. McBeth said, "We knew the city of Athens wasn't involved. We knew the Ministry of Agriculture wasn't involved."
The case was never solved, but the foreign animal welfare groups raised a ruckus, and Greek officials confronted an unexpected public relations nightmare. "This is the most fascinating side of being a mayor," said Mayor Dora Bakoyanni, who took office in January 2003.
" You have the most," she continued ~ and here she stopped the sentence to search for the right adjective ~ "different problems."
Toward the end of last year, Ms. Bakoyanni decreed that while the city would sterilize strays, it would not kill any, not even the sick ones, which would be cared for in shelters and clinics.
Athens is intent on an aura of compassion, and one of Ms. Bakoyanni's aides made a point of mentioning, in an e-mail message, that the mayor's dog, Manga, was a former stray that "seems to believe he's of royal blood and acts as if he is king of the house."
Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, president of the local committee that is organizing the Olympics, said she adopted two female strays last summer. Aphrodite, she said, is a blonde, while Olga is a brunette.
Many other Athenians take assiduous care of the strays in their neighborhoods, giving them food and even, in some cases, flea collars. Most of the animals seem docile and surprisingly well adjusted to life on the streets.
" It's like somebody's just let them out, like they're latchkey dogs", Ms. McBeth said. "Some of them could actually benefit from a diet."
www.nytimes.com/2004/02/26/international/europe/26ATHE.html?pagewanted=print&position
[2]
As reaction on your question: "Can you tell me when exactly did they start the clean up of Athens. And, do you know how many strays were in and around the area. I'm told there were up to 30,000 at one time."
I don't know about that number but I can quote this information on Athens by a direct witness, 17 March 2004:"It is difficult to say as strays are poisoned all over the year, which is there way of regulating birth control!
But it is strikingly worse since summer 2003.
Be informed that a group of strays in Athens, of which was spoken in the newspapers about in September/October, was in fact taken to be sterilised by an animal organisation and brought back to their streets afterwards.
But NOW dogs disappear daily! In the harbour of Keratsini, where formerly it was reasonably quiet if there were not too many, they are fully active now! But there is a good reason for it : Athens lacks good hotels (beds).
What they organised now : they will fill the harbour of Keratsini (the part where they do not load and discharge) fill it totally with cruise ships during the Olympic games.
That means there are a lot of hotels at once.
So total Keratsini is suddenly one big active warf and the dogs are systematically exterminated ! In this pace Athens will indeed be free of stray animals during the Olympic games."
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2004 16:27:23 -0000
From The official website of the ATHENS 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games www.athens2004.com/athens2004/page/legacy?lang=en&cid=f718470429149f00VgnVCMServer28130b0aRCRD
[3] Stray Animals
The staging of the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004, is an opportunity for the development of a long-term policy to deal with the phenomenon of strays in the big cities. The Organising Committee for the Olympic Games ATHENS 2004 has taken the initiative to promote dialogue and cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, the municipal authorities, the veterinaries and the SPCAπs, in order to present a common, realistic and effective solution to the issue. All stakeholders presented their initiatives during a press conference held on June 26, 2003 at the ATHENS 2004 headquarters.
All parties involved have rejected euthanasia and have agreed upon the following initiatives:
1. Stray animals will be collected from the wider area of Athens, with the cooperation of the Municipalities and SPCA's.
2. A vaccination and neutering programme will be implemented in cooperation with the Municipalities and the veterinaries.
3. All healthy, vaccinated and neutered animals will be brought back to their natural environment.
These initiatives will be accompanied by an adoption programme, as well as a public awareness campaign. The Hellenic Ministry of Agriculture has already proposed an institutional framework that covers these initiatives and actions taken by several municipalities in the greater Athens area. ATHENS 2004 hopes that this example will be taken upon by other agencies as well, so that the necessary conditions for a long term solution to the issue will prevail even after the Olympic Games.
Also see: Hellenic Ministry of Agriculture, Athens Municipality, Piraeus Municipality, Agia Paraskevi Municipality
Subject: Royal Spanish wedding, bullfight and hunting programmed in celebration.
Letter sent to the Spanish Royal Family, 16 March 2004 to protocolo@casareal.es
The Hague, The Netherlands
16 March 2004
To the Royal Court of Spain
Your Highnesses,
First of all we share your grief for the victims of the train attacks in Madrid on March 11th.
Action Against Poisoning is informed on some aspects of the preparation for the wedding of Prince Felipe. We hope that the Royal Family, their guests and the Spanish people will enjoy a perfect day of joyful celebration that will be a mondial event.
Allegedly bullfights and hunting are part of the program. If this is the case we beg you to refrain from any such festivities that include cruelty towards animals. We hope you can understand that the majority of the people who witness the celebration get deeply hurt by any (formal or folkloristic) ceremonial activity that involves cruelty towards animals.
Festivities in particular do not match with any form of suffering, either from people or animals. For that matter we are convinced that cruelty is picked up easily by children when torture and killing is connected with positive feelings like heroism and joy. Besides that cruelty towards animals is one step away from cruelty towards people.
We hope that your Royal Family will use the wedding of Prince Felipe as an example for Spain and the rest of the world to tilt the balance in well respected folkloristic customs towards a greater respect for animal life.
Yours truly,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: SPAIN, EL CAMPELLO - DO NOT KILL THE VICTIMS OF MISMANAGEMENT
Ayto. de EL CAMPELLO
C/. Alcalde Oncina Giner, 1
03560 EL CAMPELLO (Alicante)
Tel.: 0034-965 63 72 00
Fax: 0034-965 63 29 82
campello@touristinfo.net
The Hague, 13 February 2004
Dear Madam Mayor of El Campello,
Action Against Poisoning is informed on the extremely dismal state of the El Galgo Senior Kennel run by Mrs Patricia Osborne in your community.
We will not dwell on the actual situation as we are sure that you are well informed on all relevant details of the sorry state of the dogs and the total lack of care and management by Mrs Osborne.
Never before have we seen or heard of a such a mess. Never before have we received so much accusing information on one single case of massive animal abuse.
As the situation apparently is extremely urgent, and a world wide known disgrace for El Campello, if not for Spain in general, we suppose that you want to act swiftly in the closure of this hell on earth. We beg you not to "solve" the problem by having the victims of mismanagement and neglect killed to complete the story of this animal Treblinka.
On the contrary, please show your compassion by cooperating with trustworthy and professional animal rescue organizations like Scooby and Sighthound Rescue, which are able to rescue and repatriate as many animals as possible. We also trust that you will never ever have any mentally and physically unfit person like Mrs Osborne bear responsibility for any living thing, not even a plant.
Please keep us informed on your actions. We would prefer to publish a positive outcome of this nightmare in our web site.
Yours truly,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: ROMANIA - Stray animal problem
To: ioniliescu@presidency.ro premier@gov.ro and prefect@prefecturagorj.ro
Dear Mr President,
The Hague, 17 February 2004
Action Against Poisoning is regularly confronted with incidents of human cruelty towards domestic and stray animals in your country, mostly aimed at dogs. At this moment we are focused on the slaughter in Matasari in the weekend of February 7th 2004, where the Mayor Mr Gaspar Gheorghe obviously sanctioned and encouraged the mass killing. We are saddened by the fact that we have to appeal to you on this subject again. And we are especially disgusted by the fact that allegedly a very influential PSD party member on TV called on all inhabitants of Matasari to pick up clubs, hit the dogs over their heads and kill them all. Such a request may turn all inhabitants into animal abusers and killers and it means that all domestic animals are at risk of being killed as well.
Though we try to understand the economic and cultural background of different societies we cannot fathom the pleasure that people derive from the torturing, killing and even eating of their best and most loyal friend, the dog. We are deeply worried about this cruelty as in our opinion cruelty towards animals reflects an attitude of disrespect for life in general. Disrespect and indifference have a damaging influence on new generations. As you certainly know this is a threat to any society.
We will not again elaborate on the solutions for possible stray animal problems, the repercussions to your country of publicity or our wish to have animal protection laws enforced. We know that you and your advisors have been adequately and thoroughly informed on decent solutions to prevent recurrence of this problem time and again. So we will not repeat all messages that have reached you in this case. But we repeat our plea to stop these practices and to restore respect for animal ≠ and consequently human ≠ life in Rumania.
With kind regards,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: THAILAND and VIETNAM - Pest Control, the recurrent global failure
Message sent to the Embassies of Thailand and Vietnam via www.ciwf.nl/vogelpest.html
30 January 2004
After repeated disasters in different regions pest control seems to become a major global failure.
Action Against Poisoning is especially worried about the lack of self regulation regarding livestock breeding, pest control planning, livestock transport and communication. Only recently we witnessed the mass cremation of livestock in a campaign against the spreading of foot and mouth disease.
These images could not withhold parties around the world from denying the problem and continuing the transport until the last moment. These economically motivated postponed actions consequently lead to more animal suffering and greater economical loss. Greedy minds seem to have a very restricted learning capacity.
For these reasons we do not pity the self inflicted financial loss. On the other hand we are devastated by the killing spree under livestock caused by the umpteenth demonstration of lack of human control.
January 2004 a new bird pest is spreading over Asia and threatening to reach the rest of the world.
To contain this problem amongst an Asian society where poultry and people are living together, the killing of the livestock seems to be the only solution available.
Action Against Poisoning is informed by Compassion In World Farming Nederland (see also www.ciwf.co.uk/AvianFlu) on their protest against the current Thai and Vietnamese practice of putting living poultry in bags and burying them alive.
Although we understand the health threat and urgency of the situation, we beg the responsible breeders and authorities to at least pay some respect to the victims of their care and policy by killing their fowl in a decent way.
Above all we hope that the current pest will be contained as soon as possible. We hope that the message gets through that we should at all costs prevent animals from suffering. We hope that this recurring global problem will get more serious attention in the fields of ethics, (veterinary) health care, (third world) agriculture, trade policy and last but not least education.
We ultimately hope that this disaster will lead to the wider understanding that uncontrolled livestock breeding for whatever kind of human" consumption" will backfire on ourselves.
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
(see also www.ciwf.co.uk/AvianFlu, www.ciwf.org and www.ciwf.co.uk )
Subject: STOP CAT POISONING CAMPAIGN IN KFAR SABA
Letter sent to ISRAEL 26 January 2004
Dear Mister,
Action Against Poisoning has been informed by The Cat Welfare Society of Israel (CWSI) that as a result of a single case of cat rabies in Kfar Saba there are plans under way for mass poisoning in that area.
We understand that authorities have confiscated cats from private homes where the family could not prove that their cat was rabies vaccinated.
Allegedly even exclusively indoors living cats that have never ventured outside have been confiscated.
We presume you have noticed the resentment from your citizens to such actions as the alternative could be a well organized effective rabies vaccination campaign for domestic animals, strays and wildlife.
In our view a humane way of killing of animals should only happen as a last resort to a massive health threat.
Poisoning is the most random cruel and agonizing way of killing the targeted animals. Of course it is popular as it is the cheapest, most anonymous and - when you spread it everywhere - surely the most effective method. Why not spread oral rabies vaccine in the same way?
You might forget that poisoning kills or harms every non targeted animal and sometimes children as well. Collateral damage you might say.
While fighting a health threat poisoning leads to a considerable new health threat.
Consequently you have to deal with the outrage and grief of the owners and parents of the victims and numerous witnesses of your poisoning campaign. In short, please refrain from the poison approach. And please keep us informed on your actions.
Yours truly,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
1. Comments Needed: Israel Cat Welfare Society Battles Against Mass Poisonings.
We support The Cat Welfare Society of Israel (CWSI) which is asking for help in stopping this inhumane campaign.
Source: The Cat Welfare Society of Israel, ellen@bgumail.bgu.ac.il , www.cats.org.il
Animal News Center, www.anc.org/pets/pets_article.cfm?identifier=2004_0122_cwsi
ASPCA, news-alert@aspca.org , 1/22/04
As a result of a single case of rabies in a cat in Kfar Saba, Israel, plans are under way for mass poisonings in the area. is asking for your help in stopping this inhumane campaign. According to CWSI, inspectors have also confiscated pet cats at will from private homes where the family could not prove their cat had a current rabies vaccination.
Even "indoor only" cats who have never ventured outside have been confiscated, they said.
Polite letters are needed to Israeli officials urging them to cancel this plan. CWSI also recommends asking these officials to demand comprehensive oral rabies vaccine campaigns for wildlife and affordable vaccine programs for domestic animals.
CONTACT: (emails working as of 1/22/04)
Mayor of Kfar Saba
Fax: +97297659555
Email: mayor@ksaba.co.il
Danny Naveh, Minister of Health
Email: sar@moh.health.gov.il
Avraham Poraz, Minister of the Interior
Email: sar@moin.gov.il
Subject: MORE BULLFIGHTS IN FRANCE (English and French text)
Letter sent 25 JANUARY, 2004 to French Mayors
Via mairie-aire@wanadoo.fr, communication@ville-ales.net, z.koukas@ville-arles.fr, mairie-bayonne@wanadoo.fr, beaucaire@free.fr, mairie.de.beziers@wanadoo.fr, commune.bougue@wanadoo.fr, mairie.bourgmadame@wanadoo.fr, mairie.captieux@wanadoo.fr, webmaster@carcassonne.org, contact.mairie.caveirac@wanadoo.fr, mairie.cazaubon@wanadoo.fr, mairie.de.ceret@wanadoo.fr, maire@ville-chateaurenard.fr, contact@collioure.net, ville.dax@wanadoo.fr, eauze.mairie@wanadoo.fr, mairie.fontvieille@wanadoo.fr, communedefourques.47@wanadoo.fr, gimont@wanadoo.fr, mairiehagetmau@wanadoo.fr, communication@ville-istres.fr, contact@labrede-montesquieu.com, mairie@ville-lunel.fr, coste@mauguio-carnon.com, mairie@mont-de-marsan.org, maire@ville-nimes.fr, mairie@parentis.com, mairie-rion@wanadoo.fr, mairie-smc@ville-saint-de-crau.fr, stperdon@hotmail.com, mairie.saintsever@wanadoo.fr, contact@mairie-soustons.fr, mairie@tarascon.org, katy.guyot@vauvert.com, villeneuve.mairie@wanadoo.fr aignan@wanadoo.fr
Dear Mayor,
Action Against Poisoning maintains the following general view on bullfights:
We applaud the preservation of European regional cultural heritage. However, we protest against existing folkloric festivities that involve any form of animal abuse. In our view the association of animal abuse and festivities is a hazard to the population. If torture and killing is culturally conceived as a joyful occasion, then animal abuse can be associated with fame and national pride. We have noted that animal molesters tend to violence in general. So in terms of mental health and public order especially a mayor has a potential problem when we promote any form of animal abuse under the disguise of cherished traditions. We should not teach our children that any form of animal torture is normal, leave alone laudable.
We regret the fact that several EU member states have lower standards on animal protection than the more civilized member states.
It is one of the targets of Action Against Poisoning to raise that standard to the highest standard existing within the EU. It is sad enough that some member states persist in the continuation of traditional habits that involve the torture and/or the subsequent killing of animals.
Believing that France was a civilized member state of the EU in October 2003 we were informed on the efforts to stop the reintroduction of bullfighting in Carcassone after a stop of 48 years. However, the judge decided that bullfighting could return to Carcassone "as it had been an uninterrupted tradition" in that city.
This motivation of this devastating verdict is a blatant lie and with that the law is violated. The verdict also violates existing EU animals protection laws. But above all the motivation is a ridiculous argument.
Consequently witch burning, the guillotine and whatever medieval traditions could be reinstated as "uninterrupted traditions".
We are saddened that as mayor of a growing number of bullfight-cities you chose to ignore the average European opinion on animal welfare and the existing animal protection laws within the EU. Please reflect on our arguments against bullfighting and use your influence to stop bullfighting in your community.
Yours truly,
actionagainstpoisoning.com
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Monsieur le Maire,
La position de "Action Against Poisoning" (Action contre les Empoisonnements) sur les corridas est la suivante:
Si nous nous fÈlicitons de la sauvegarde des cultures rÈgionales en Europe, nous protestons contre les festivitÈs folkloriques existantes qui impliquent n'importe quelle forme d'abus envers les animaux.
Selon nous, l'association de mauvais traitements aux animaux et de festivitÈs met la population en danger. Si la torture et le massacre sont culturellement perÁus comme de bons moments, les mauvais traitements aux animaux peuvent Ítre associÈs ‡ la renommÈe et ‡ la fiertÈ nationales. Nous avons remarquÈ que les gens qui font du mal aux animaux tendent ‡ la violence en gÈnÈral.
Un maire peut ainsi se retrouver dans sa ville face ‡ des problËmes de dÈsordres mentaux et de sÈcuritÈ publique quand les mauvais traitements aux animaux sont favorisÈs sous le dÈguisement des traditions apprÈciÈes. Nous ne devrions pas enseigner ‡ nos enfants que la torture des animaux, quelle qu'elle soit, est normale et encore moins louable.